Socket FM2+ socket: CPUs, chipsets and cooler fit
Socket FM2+ is AMD pin grid array socket for desktop Kaveri, Godavari and late Carrizo APUs. It has 906 contacts in a 40 by 40 mm package with zero insertion force retention. The socket arrived for Kaveri in 2014 with two extra pins over FM2, which blocks FM2+ chips in older FM2 boards while allowing the reverse.
Quick facts
| Maker | AMD |
|---|---|
| Package type | PGA |
| Contacts | 906 |
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | 2014 |
| Status | Legacy |
| Memory | DDR3-2133, two channels, ECC not supported |
| PCIe from the CPU | PCIe 2.0 with PCIe 3.x for graphics |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
| Replaces | None |
| Replaced by | None |
Overview
Boards pair FM2+ with DDR3 memory up to 2133 MT per s in two channels. ECC DIMMs are not supported on this package. The platform provides PCIe 2.0 links with PCIe 3.x speed on the graphics link for discrete GPUs. Fusion controller hubs such as A88X carry SATA and USB beside the APU links.
Like every PGA desktop socket, FM2+ allows cooler swaps and chip swaps within the board support list. The 48 by 96 mm cooler mount matches AM2, AM3 and FM2, so many older heatsinks fit. When builds need DDR4 or Ryzen cores, AM4 boards with Bristol Ridge and newer silicon take over instead.
Processor generations
| Codename | Marketing name | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaveri | A-series 7000 APUs | 2014 | Steamroller based desktop APUs with GCN graphics, launched in January 2014 on Socket FM2+ with DDR3. |
| Godavari | A-series 7000 refresh APUs | 2015 | Refreshed Steamroller APUs with higher clocks, launched in 2015 on Socket FM2+. |
| Carrizo | A-series Excavator APUs on FM2+ | 2016 to 2018 | Excavator based desktop APUs including A6-7480, A8-7680 and Athlon X4 845, launched in 2016 to 2018 on Socket FM2+ with DDR3. |
A PGA desktop socket
Socket FM2+ follows the desktop PGA rule: the processor carries pins that drop into spring contacts, so bent pins are the main handling risk. Unlike soldered BGA packages, the APU can be swapped for another FM2+ SKU where the board BIOS lists it. The large 40 by 40 mm package is easy to seat with the lever open.
The socket choice shapes budget desktop builds more than buyers expect. FM2+ needs a board with DDR3 slots and an FCH chipset such as A88X for full I/O. Late Carrizo parts such as A8-7680 work as drop in upgrades on many FM2+ boards after a BIOS update that adds the IDs. Compatibility still depends on firmware and power delivery.
Memory, expansion and cooling
Memory on FM2+ is DDR3 in two channel layouts up to 2133 MT per s. Matched pairs give dual channel bandwidth for integrated graphics in particular. Capacity and speed join the APU as lasting choices, since DDR3 pricing for larger kits varies.
Expansion comes from APU PCIe links plus FCH lanes. The graphics link can run at PCIe 3.x speed for a discrete GPU, while general links run at 2.0 speed for other slots. Boards that need more than the APU offers use FCH lanes for SATA and USB.
Cooling uses the 48 by 96 mm rectangle mount shared with older AMD desktop sockets. Stock coolers cover 45 W APUs quietly, while towers help higher power parts hold boost. Mounting pressure should be even to avoid pin damage during installation.
Where FM2+ designs are used
Socket FM2+ covers budget desktops from 2014 through 2018: office towers, home theater PCs and light gaming rigs with integrated graphics. The Carrizo stack scales from dual core A6 parts to quad core A8 parts in one socket. System builders pair them with SSDs for responsive use.
Mainstream builders meet AM4 platforms instead for DDR4 and Ryzen cores, while embedded designs use soldered FP4. FM2+ stays the DDR3 home of Kaveri through Carrizo. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers why desktop compatibility lives in board vendor lists.
CPUs on Socket FM2+
32 processor pages in the database, newest first.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Base / boost | TDP | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD A6-7480 | 2 / 2 | 3.5 / 3.8 GHz | 45 W | Oct 2018 |
| AMD A8-7680 | 4 / 4 | 3.5 / 3.8 GHz | 45 W | Oct 2018 |
| AMD Athlon X4 845 | 4 / 4 | 3.5 / 3.8 GHz | 65 W | Feb 2016 |
| AMD A10-7860K | 4 / 4 | 3.6 / 4.0 GHz | 65 W | Feb 2016 |
| AMD A6-7470K | 2 / 2 | 3.7 / 4.0 GHz | 65 W | Feb 2016 |
| AMD A10-7890K | 4 / 4 | 4.0 / 4.3 GHz | 95 W | Jan 2016 |
| AMD Athlon X4 870K | 4 / 4 | 3.9 / 4.1 GHz | 95 W | Dec 2015 |
| AMD Athlon X4 880K | 4 / 4 | 4.0 / 4.2 GHz | 95 W | Dec 2015 |
| AMD PRO A10-8850B | 4 / 4 | 3.9 / 4.1 GHz | 95 W | Sep 2015 |
| AMD PRO A4-8350B | 2 / 2 | 3.5 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Sep 2015 |
| AMD PRO A8-8650B | 4 / 4 | 3.2 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Sep 2015 |
| AMD PRO A10-8750B | 4 / 4 | 3.6 / 4.0 GHz | 65 W | Sep 2015 |
| AMD PRO A6-8550B | 2 / 2 | 3.7 / 4.0 GHz | 65 W | Sep 2015 |
| AMD A8-7670K | 4 / 4 | 3.6 / 3.9 GHz | 95 W | Jul 2015 |
| AMD Athlon X4 850 | 4 / 4 | 3.2 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2015 |
| AMD A10-7870K | 4 / 4 | 3.9 / 4.1 GHz | 95 W | May 2015 |
| AMD Athlon X4 830 | 4 / 4 | 3.0 / 3.4 GHz | 65 W | Feb 2015 |
| AMD A8-7650K | 4 / 4 | 3.3 / 3.8 GHz | 95 W | Jan 2015 |
| AMD FX-770K | 4 / 4 | 3.5 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Dec 2014 |
| AMD Athlon X2 450 | 2 / 2 | 3.5 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Aug 2014 |
| AMD Athlon X4 840 | 4 / 4 | 3.1 / 3.8 GHz | 65 W | Aug 2014 |
| AMD Athlon X4 860K | 4 / 4 | 3.7 / 4.0 GHz | 95 W | Aug 2014 |
| AMD A10 PRO-7800B | 4 / 4 | 3.5 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A10 PRO-7850B | 4 / 4 | 3.7 / 4.0 GHz | 95 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A10-7800 | 4 / 4 | 3.5 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A4 PRO-7350B | 2 / 2 | 3.4 / 3.8 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A6 PRO-7400B | 2 / 2 | 3.5 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A6-7400K | 2 / 2 | 3.5 / 3.9 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A8 PRO-7600B | 4 / 4 | 3.1 / 3.8 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A8-7600 | 4 / 4 | 3.1 / 3.8 GHz | 65 W | Jul 2014 |
| AMD A10-7700K | 4 / 4 | 3.4 / 3.8 GHz | 95 W | Jan 2014 |
| AMD A10-7850K | 4 / 4 | 3.7 / 4.0 GHz | 95 W | Jan 2014 |
Frequently asked questions
Are FM2 and FM2+ processors interchangeable?
Yes, within the board support list. FM2 Trinity and Richland APUs work in FM2+ boards, while FM2+ Kaveri, Godavari and Carrizo APUs do not work in older FM2 boards due to two extra pins.
What is the difference between Socket FM2+ and Socket AM4?
FM2+ at 906 contacts serves Kaveri, Godavari and late Carrizo desktop APUs with DDR3. AM4 at 1331 contacts serves Bristol Ridge and Ryzen with DDR4. The two do not interchange.
What memory does Socket FM2+ use?
DDR3 up to 2133 MT per s in two channels. ECC DIMMs are not supported on the FM2+ package.
What PCIe does Socket FM2+ provide?
PCIe 2.0 for general links with PCIe 3.x for the graphics link. Boards split lanes between a discrete GPU and onboard devices per manual.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .